With a long history dating back to 1932, Lewis University is a comprehensive university ranked 3rd in Illinois, focusing on professional and career preparation within a liberal arts tradition. Lewis is one of 60 universities worldwide sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, an international Roman Catholic teaching order.Romeoville, Illinois is a suburban village in Will County, about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. It is home to Lewis University and offers a quiet, family-friendly environment with easy access to major highways and public transportation. The area features parks, shopping centers, and a growing economy, making it a convenient place for students and professionals.

Offering over 80 undergraduate majors and areas of study, along with 35 graduate programs. The university is renowned for its standout programs in aviation, criminal/social justice, education, nursing, and business, providing students with exceptional opportunities for academic and professional growth.

Lewis University's beautiful main campus is located in the heart of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, a fascinating part of America's history in the development of Northern Illinois, approximately a 40-minute drive from downtown Illinois.

The university offers over 100 student clubs and organizations, along with 23 athletic teams competing at the NCAA Division II level. Activities include performing arts, club sports, and volunteer programs, providing students with opportunities for engagement and holistic development.

Lewis University takes pride in being one of the top private universities offering exceptional value and is recognized as one of the best institutions for student satisfaction. Over the years, approximately 98% of students have received financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, or work-study programs. In 2019 alone, the university provided $40 million in scholarships and financial aid to its students.

Scholarships:

Undergraduate: $18,000/ year (Renewable)

* Catholic High School: $19,000/ year (Renewable)

Graduate: Not available

Costs:

Tuition & Fees:

Undergraduate: $40,300/ year
Graduate: $16,930/ year

Room & Board: $12,700/ year

Entry requirements:

Level	Undergraduate (Direct Admission)	Graduate (Direct Admission)
Transcript	GPA 3.2+	GPA 3.2+
Transcript evaluation	No	No
English proficiency	IELTS 6.5+/ TOEFL 79+ (IELTS 6.0 can be considered case-by-case)	IELTS 6.5+/ TOEFL 79+
Standardized test: Undergraduate: SAT/ACT Graduate: GMAT/GRE	No	No
Special requirements: Portfolio, audition, interview, work experience, etc.	Portfolio required: Drawing, General Studio Art, Design, Illustration, Painting, Art Therapy Interview required: GPA 3.0+ (case-by-case)	Interview required: GPA 3.0+ (case-by-case)
Resume	No	Yes
Personal statement	No	Yes
Recommendation letter	No	2
Application fee	$50	$50

Programs:

Undergraduate: All Programs

Health & Human Services: Nursing, Radiography, Psychology, Chiropractic, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, Respiratory Care, Vascular Ultrasound Technology, Exercise Science.
Computing: Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology.
Business: Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Digital Marketing, Economics, Human Resource Management.
Engineering & Technology: Aviation Flight Technology, Aviation Maintenance Management, Air Traffic Control Management, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biomedical Science, Environmental Science.
Social Sciences & Education: Education, Social Work, Digital Media and Journalism, Public Relations, Forensic Criminal Investigation.
Arts & Design: Design, Drawing, General Studio Art, Illustration, Painting, Art Therapy, Music Industry, Theatre.

Graduate: All Programs

Health & Human Services: Nursing, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Health Information Management, Occupational Therapy.
Computing: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science.
Business: Business Administration, Business Analytics, Finance, Project Management.
Engineering & Technology: Aviation and Transportation, Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Sciences: Chemistry, Physics.
Social Sciences & Education: Public Safety Administration, Social Work.

Application deadlines:

Fall intake: June 1

Spring intake: November 1

Rankings & Recognition:

#29 Regional Universities in Midwest

(US News & World Report 2026)

#28 Best Value Schools

(US News & World Report 2026)

#28 Best Colleges in Illinois

(Niche 2026)

#11 Best Value Colleges in Illinois

(Niche 2026)

Key facts:

A Comprehensive Catholic University.
Student population: +6,600 students.
7th largest private, not-for-profit university in Illinois.
One of many schools sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers with over 320 years of teaching experience in the Lasallian tradition.
As one of the universities with strong financial aid support, 98% of Lewis University students receive financial assistance and scholarships.
More than 100 clubs and organizations, and 24 intercollegiate NCAA Division II athletic teams.

Admissions level:

Undergraduate - Direct
Graduate - Direct